The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Walsall Wood 4
Holbeach United 1
Boss Darren Jarvis refused to be too downbeat after seeing his Holbeach United side crash out of the FA Vase on Saturday.
A 4-1 defeat at Walsall Wood on Saturday ensured that the Tigers won’t come close to matching last season’s run to the last 16 as key moments in the clash went against them.
Corey Currithers fired hosts Wood into a 20th-minute lead, but Holbeach did haul themselves level just before half time when Josh Ford buried Lee Beeson’s cross.
Jake Clitheroe then missed a gilt-edged chance for the Tigers, moments before Currithers restored the home lead on 48 minutes.
Skipper Jamie Stevens was sent off for two bookable offences soon after, allowing Walsall to grab two further goals through Joey Butlin (65) and top scorer Dan Griffiths (90).
Although obviously disappointed, Tigers chief Jarvis refused to criticise his charges after the defeat.
Jarvis said: “That kind of long trip is always difficult when you lose.
“In the first half I thought we got to grips with them quite well.
“When we came in level at 1-1 at half time, I thought it was a fair reflection of the game.
“We then had a big chance to go ahead, but Jake Clitheroe couldn’t quite take it. He shouldn’t shoulder any blame, but it was a moment that could have turned the game for us.
OFF: Jamie Stevens saw red for Holbeach United. Photo by STEVE RELF
“After they went back ahead we had a great 15 minute spell, but once Jamie Stevens was sent off it was always going to be tough.
“We knew we had to push forward, even with ten men. And we had chances to level.
“If we could have taken one we’d probably have parked the bus, but it wasn’t to be.
“In the end, the scoreline looks harsh on us. It’s a shame, as we’ve gone out to a team that we really shouldn’t have feared.
“I’m left frustrated, as we would have liked to win a few games in the Vase this year.
“But we have to put things into perspective. We’re doing well in the league and league cup and had a great little FA Cup run.
“The players were down after the game, but there’s no reason for us to be overly worried long term.”
Tigers: Drury, Worthington, Ward, Warfield, Jackson, Stevens, Beeson, Tidswell, Ford, Clitheroe, Thomas. Subs: Pinner, Gale, King, Keeble, Roberts.
Attendance: 75
